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Manchester United were reportedly snubbed by Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness this summer. The Red Devils were apparently looking to replace head coach Erik ten Hag, who subsequently extended his Old Trafford stay till 2026.
The Dutchman appeared close to getting the sack after his side struggled in the league last season, finishing a lowly eighth. However, a 2-1 upset win over holders Manchester City in the FA Cup final gave him breathing space, and the United hierarchy eventually opted to continue with him for a while but not before exploring prospective candidates.
United's minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had discussions with multiple candidates, as reported by The Daily Mail, including Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel.
Bild (as per Daily Mail) has reported that Hoeness was also approached by the Red Devils after the German had led Stuttgart to a creditable second-placed Bundesliga finish, behind unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen. However, Hoeness remained at the German club, as he believed he had 'unfinished' business.
Meanwhile, two months into the new campaign, Ten Hag is under pressure again after his side's lacklustre start. United have won just twice in seven games in the league, where they are languishing in 14th place, marking their worst start to a Premier League season.
Even in Europe, Ten Hag's side have struggled, drawing their opening two UEFA Europa League games.
Everton chairman tips Manchester United to appoint Michael Carrick as Erik ten Hag successor
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is staring at an uncertain future after winning just three of his opening 11 games across competitions, losing four, including 3-0 home league defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Although his new deal could keep him at Old Trafford till 2027 (option of an additional year), it appears that he might be let go earlier if results don't improve soon.
Everton chairman Keith Wyness reckons the Red Devils might appoint a former player like Michael Carrick to steady the ship, telling Football Insider (as per Metro):
"I think they might go for the second route and try and get the Man United ethos back to what it was before with an ex-player like Carrick managing the squad. He’s proven to be a very good manager, so that’s where I think they may go.
"But no one knows at the moment which way Ratcliffe is going to jump. They are starting to reap the rewards of a very bad, difficult off-season when everybody thought Ten Hag was going to be sacked."
Carrick, a former Manchester United midfielder, is currently managing Championship side Middlesbrough.
